Health of Women and Children

This legislation would require physicians to provide women considering abortion with information concerning the risks of abortion, alternatives to the procedure, and non-judgmental, scientifically accurate information about the gestational age and development of their unborn child. It would then give women sufficient time to reflect on the decision, to weigh their options and to give voluntary, knowledgeable and informed consent to the procedure.

This proposal would increase state support for initiatives to promote adoption as a positive alternative to abortion. The legislation would include several elements:

A public relations campaign to educate the public and clients of social service agencies regarding the availability and attractiveness of adoption as an alternative for an unplanned or crisis pregnancy, and to recruit more adoptive parents. A major component of this campaign would be an increased emphasis on promoting the adoption of special needs children.

Financial support for adoptive parents and their children through tax relief, particularly for those who adopt children from the foster care system.

Financial support for the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, and for private agencies that promote adoption.

This bill would require 48 hours notice to one custodial parent prior to abortions performed on unemancipated children under age 18, or, in the alternative, a family court waiver of parental notification.